Friendly Fats!
In past decades there’s been a lot of hype about Oils and Fats and how they’re NOT good for you… well.. guess what, Fat is your Friend!
Recently, I worked with Kristina Bellows of tujawellness.com on a segment for Breakfast Television Montreal to discuss the benefits and uses of various oils for cooking and otherwise.
Olive Oil
What does it do?
- Modulates (lowers) cholesterol levels at a dose of 2tblsp/day
- Helps in hypertension (high blood pressure) to bring blood pressure down and also prevent hypertension (think of olive oil as being very heart healthy!)
How should I use it?
- Raw on salads and over steamed vegetables
- Cooking with Olive Oil at high temperatures causes oxidation and destruction of the valuable compounds that make it healthy
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil is best and it should be in a dark, glass bottle for preservation and to steer clear of nasty BPAs.
Coconut Oil
What does it do?
- It’s a saturated fat – but don’t fear! We like saturated fats because they don’t oxidize at high temperatures so they’re good to cook with!
- Medium chain triglycerides (MCT’s) are the molecules present in coconut oil that may have an impact on cognition and memory in the elderly and patients with diabetes, especially when in combination with a lower starch/carbohydrate/sugar diet.
- MCT’s may improve satiety and have an impact on weight loss.
- Coconut oil is also great for the skin as an emollient or moisturizer it helps to draw moisture to the skin.
How should I use it?
- Switch to coconut oils for hot temperatures, especially for frying/sauteeing at high heat
- Use in baking for ‘greasing’ your pans (anti-stick)
- Add it to coarse salt or sugar for a moisturizing and exfoliating DIY body scrub
- Use as a moisturizer post-shower or swim workout
- Make the SwimBikeRunHeal MACAroons to fuel your workouts.
How do YOU incorporate healthy fats into your diet? Tell me in the comments!